Edna E. Gloyna

Edna Eleonora Knippa Gloyna went home to Heaven on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at the age of 92. Born to Ella and Ben Knippa in Lincoln, Texas on July 10, 1929, Edna was a proud Texan and lifelong Missouri Synod Lutheran. The second oldest of eight children, Edna was a caretaker by nature. After graduating from Giddings High School and The Nixon Clay Business College in Austin, Edna married Robert (Bob) Gloyna on June 3, 1951. Edna continued her life’s journey with Bob as he completed his army duties and received a graduate degree. The couple was blessed with two children, Carol and James.

Bob’s career took Edna and their family to such far-flung places as The Netherlands and Brazil where she cultivated a taste for travel. Returning to Texas, Edna and Bob called Clear Lake and then Port Arthur home until finally settling in Austin. They soon became active members of Redeemer Lutheran Church where they enjoyed couples Sunday School classes and made many wonderful friendships. Edna was a member of The Stephens Ministry at both Redeemer and her former church home, Holy Cross Lutheran in Port Arthur.

Christian faith was always at the center of Edna’s life. She was an active member of The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) and held numerous positions within the organization, including Christian Growth Chairman and Second Vice President. Her tireless efforts were recognized when she became the Texas Lutheran Woman of the year in 1968. Edna’s strong faith was the foundation upon which she built her life.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Ella and Ben Knippa, brother Ernest, brother Alfred and wife Mary Ann, brother Otto and wife Mabel and sister-in-law Estelle. Edna is survived by her husband of 70 years, Bob, her daughter Carol and husband James Prince, son James Gloyna and grandson Robert Prince, all of Austin. Other survivors include three brothers, Howard and wife Maxine of Bertram, Leonard of Deer Park, Kenneth and wife Sarah of Beaumont. Her beloved younger sister, Marilyn and husband Lonnie Raschke of Taylor also survive her as does her sister-in-law, Louise and husband Ralph Genz of Pflugerville. Numerous nieces and nephews, on both the Knippa and Gloyna sides of the family, who held a special place in her heart, also survive her.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar in Austin, Texas. Funeral services will be held on August 25, 2021 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1500 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas beginning at 11:00 am. Graveside internment will take place at Cook-Walden/ Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North Interstate Highway 35 starting at 1:30 pm. The funeral will also be live-streamed at: live.redeemer.net on the day of the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift to either the Redeemer Lutheran Church Building Fund, to Upbring (formerly Lutheran Social Service of the South) or to a charity of your choosing.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Gloyna family.